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A new thermal-camouflage poncho developed in Ukraine is offering a novel approach to soldier concealment on the modern battlefield, where infrared detection has become a routine part of enemy surveillance.
Unveiled at the Brave1 Defense Tech Valley 2025 exhibition, the lightweight system is designed to reduce a soldier’s thermal signature using materials and construction methods tailored to blend heat emissions into the surrounding environment. The poncho significantly lowers the likelihood of detection by thermal imaging devices—up to 100 meters in forested terrain and as far as 250 meters in open ground, according to Oboronka.
The core of the technology lies in a low-emissivity polyamide fabric enhanced with silver inclusions, chosen for its superior reflectivity and minimal infrared emission. Built-in vents gradually release body heat, preventing thermal buildup while avoiding sharp heat contrasts that would otherwise make a soldier stand out through IR optics.
Operational use is limited to roughly two hours of continuous wear, after which the material requires a cooldown period of around 10 minutes to reset to ambient temperature. This cycle is designed to balance performance with practicality in field conditions.
Unlike earlier designs that used metals like aluminum or copper-nickel—materials that can degrade after washing or cause skin irritation—this poncho reportedly maintains its stealth performance over repeated uses without compromising comfort.
The system has completed a full testing regime, including technical validation by Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense and certification through the State Research Institute for Testing and Certification of Armaments and Military Equipment. Field trials were also conducted with Ukraine’s Armed Forces, National Guard, and National Police to assess its effectiveness under real-world conditions.
The poncho was developed to address the growing need for tactical concealment from drones and other thermal surveillance platforms. As such systems become more common in both conventional and irregular warfare, minimizing thermal visibility is increasingly seen as essential for infantry survivability.
